Lockdown sees uptick at regional fresh produce markets
Business is booming at some of South Africa’s regional fresh produce markets, as South Africans take advantage of the opportunity for direct, cost effective access to fresh fruit and vegetables.
‘Both our RSA Vaal and RSA Nelspruit operations surpassed their monthly sales record on the 21st of April, with eight trading days still to go,’ says Luan Wentzel, Managing Director RSA Tshwane and RSA Regional Markets. ‘Current estimates also indicate that Polokwane will surpass its April record by at least 10% at month end. Mooketsi market isn’t in line for a record but is performing at similar levels to last year.’
South Africa’s fresh produce markets generally operate in the background of the national food supply system, but since the lockdown they have seen an influx of private buyers in addition to retail buyers and members of the country’s vast network of informal traders.
‘Numbers are almost impossible to define, especially because lots of different groups pool resources for group buying, but the feedback from our agents clearly shows that there has been substantial increase in the numbers of people buying for personal use compared to pre-lockdown,’ says Wentzel.
Growth in the number of private buyers illustrates the flexibility of South Africa’s fresh produce markets, which not only form a crucial part of the national food supply chain but also offer a valuable alternative to people who live far away from supermarkets, or who no longer have access to street hawkers and informal traders.
‘Supply is strong, and our farmers are producing well, but there is no doubt that certain parts of the country are challenged in terms of access to food and fresh produce,’ says Wentzel. ‘The markets are performing a crucial function in this context, and RSA Group is doing everything it can do make sure all buyers have the support they need.’
RSA Group is the largest fresh produce sales agency in the country. Decades of experience operating at South Africa’s fresh produce markets means it is an ideal position to support newcomers to the system.
The company is currently helping buyers who ask for assistance obtain the permits they need to officially procure and transport produce during lockdown. RSA Group has also collaborated with Freshlinq (which manages the regional markets and their data systems) to implement the access control and social distancing measures necessary to ensure the safest possible environment for buyers and traders on the floors.
‘A strong health and safety approach creates trust in the system and processes, and makes the facility easy to use. This is very important in the context of the pandemic,’ says Wentzel. ‘The new visitor’s experience features thorough safety protocols throughout, which creates a sense of security and sees more buyers arriving to purchase fresh produce at the facility.’
